Huge explosion heard in Essex as 100 firefighters tackle blaze at warehouse

More than 100 firefighters are tackling a large industrial unit fire in Essex which has been declared a major incident. Fire crews were called to the blaze on Southend Road, between East Hanningfield and Rettendon, at 4.50pm on Friday, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS) said. Shorts Smoke plumes could be seen billowing into the sky , while some locals have said they heard huge explosions. ECFRS area manager Dave Bond said the major incident had been declared “due to the size of the fire”, but he believes it has now been surrounded. Mr Bond said in a video recorded at the scene: “We’re dealing with a significant incident down in the Hanningfield area. “The incident has been declared a major incident by the fire service due to the size of the fire that we’re dealing with. “As you can see, there is still significant smoke in the background behind me, and we’re advising people to stay away from the area while we deal with it. “We do believe that we’ve got the fire surrounded now, but we ask for the public’s patience while we extinguish the fire and bring the incident to a closure. “We will provide further updates through our social media channels and our website, so please keep an eye on them for more information.” Essex County Fire and Rescue Service’s website says: “We’re currently at the scene of large industrial unit fire in Southend Road between East Hanningfield and Rettendon. “If you live or are travelling nearby, please keep your windows and doors closed. “Please avoid the area if you can.”A spokesman for East of England Ambulance Service said it has declared a critical incident and its hazardous area response team is in attendance. It is not yet known if there have been any injuries. East of England Ambulance Service, which has crews at the scene, warned people to avoid the area “follow the advice of the fire service”. Additional reporting by Press Association. EXPLORE MORE ON THE TOPICS IN THIS STORY